Itacho Japanese Restaurant

04/13/09

Terrible Service, Mediocre Food

by Cutterjones

Upon ordering two glasses of wine we were handed large glasses with no more that what you would get at a wine tasting (less than 1oz) We questioned the waitress & she told us that was the normal pour for $9. We sent it back & ordered some hot Sake. We got a small bottle ate our meal (I've had better sushi at Whole Foods) and then were presented with a bill including $18 for the Sake. I realize that restaurants have a large margin when it comes to alcohol, but trying to cheat your customers by making them overpay for drinks is ridiculous. I will never go back and I encourage anyone else to skip this restaurant. There are plenty other GOOD Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles who don't try to overtly cheat their customers.

• Pros: Food was marginal...
• Cons: Lousy service, Overcharging for drinks

12/10/08

Amazing sushi

by buster2727

This is some of the best sushi I've ever had. It's such a nice place, but not snooty AT ALL. The service is great! Just discovered this place and for a delicious meal at a great price and no "LA vibe" there's no better place!

• Pros: service, food quality

08/08/08

Party over here!

by jumasi

Itacho has been our "go-to" Japanese restaurant for a couple of years. We make a special trip from the South Bay for Itacho cravings. Some of the cravings: the yellow tail on crispy rice is a nice fusion of textures and flavors, the black cod is like butter, the soba is the best we've ever had. Their expanded sushi menu is another reason to make the drive over. The sushi is consistently fresh.

So, when I found out that there's now an upstairs area open for small parties, I knew where my next birthday party would be. There were about 20 of us but the space could have accommodated another 20 people comfortably. The room was cozy yet spacious and the food and service was as good as it was downstairs in the main restaurant. The staff was so patient and helpful from the planning stage to the very end of the party. Thanks to everyone there and the great food my party was a success. Many of my guests are now planning their parties there after attending mine.

• Pros: Fresh, creative food
• Cons: I wish it was closer to me

07/28/08

Great sushi with superb selection of Japanese delights

by gregls

Can't add much to the most recent reviews. Food is fantastic, service fast, sushi selection is awesome, and Japanese dishes superb. Very friendly. However, hours shown on Citysearch are incorrect. Dinner service does not start until 6 pm.

• Pros: Quality and Service
• Cons: Parking

04/28/08

Sequel Even Better Than the Original!

by terieaton

One of my first dates with husband of 7 years was at the old, old Ita Cho (strip mall), and we've dined with them reguarly ever since. Nearly everyone we know has gone to Ita Cho on a regular basis over the years (that's the kind of quality, unique, delicious place it is). At the end of last year we heard the owners had sold the restaurant, and to NON-JAPANESE people (not that we're Japanese, but it had always seemed so authentic, we thought it must matter...) Friends jumped on the phone, "have you heard the terrible news?" We thought one was going to move out of town such was his devotion. Since the change of ownership, each of us tread back, lightly, with trepadition. And not ONE regrets the change. Incredible! The food is not only exactly the same, it's even better. The sushi is a welcome and perfectly executed addition. Though we miss Satchko, the new owner and hostess is lovely and gracious (and does know what toro is). The rest of the charming staff remains the same. So go and eat the best traditional mountain Japanese food and NOW some fantastic nouveau Japanese/French yummy creations, and hang out with some hip, beautiful people (not us, but who doesn't like to people watch?). Also, Citysearch, the tie-dye tapestries are not cheesy, they are gorgeous, very much in fashion, and an ancient Japanese craft ;)

• Pros: Carlos the valet parker may be psychic!
• Cons: none